Honda Developing New Airbag Tech

The introduction of airbags in the last decade and a half has revolutionized motorcycle safety, with Honda appearing poised to advance the technology even further.

Airbags made their MotoGP debut in the late 2010s, integrated into the leather suits of various Alpinestars-sponsored riders. Over time, Alpinestars airbags have become an essential component of motorcycle safety, with options available to be incorporated into gear from different manufacturers. Dainese quickly followed suit with its own airbag system, now accessible to consumers.

Honda’s latest innovation, as detailed in patents featured by Cycle World, aims to enhance motorcycle airbag technology. The proposed airbag would be installed in the rear section of a motorcycle’s fuel tank, concealed beneath the bodywork.

This design is reminiscent of car airbags, which are discreetly positioned behind interior surfaces such as the steering wheel and passenger-side dashboard.

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Honda Developing New Airbag Tech

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However, a motorcycle crash differs significantly from a car crash due to the fact that in a motorcycle crash, the rider (and passenger) are almost certain to separate from the vehicle upon impact. This separation is actually the intended outcome. On the other hand, in a car crash, the occupants are designed to remain inside the vehicle, which is the desired outcome that manufacturers strive for by incorporating safety features like seatbelts.

Given this, one might question the usefulness of having an airbag attached to a motorcycle. After all, it seems logical to assume that the rider would be ejected from the bike and therefore be unable to benefit from the protection of the airbag before hitting the ground.

However, this assumption is not entirely accurate. Honda has developed a system that addresses this concern. Their airbag system is designed to detach from the motorcycle after it inflates. This system utilizes two inflators, both of which seal to ensure that the airbag remains inflated. The airbag itself inflates in a shape that wraps around the rider, essentially embracing them as they fall.

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If and when this product is manufactured, it has the potential to significantly enhance motorcycle safety. Riders would no longer need to compromise on comfort or cost when considering wearing an airbag-enabled jacket.

Moreover, the additional expense of an airbag is relatively lower when incorporated into a motorcycle compared to a jacket or a leather suit.

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